How to Get to Nizhniy Novgorod. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Strigino International Airport GOJ

This is the main air gateway, approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of the city center, handling domestic and limited international flights.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines: Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, Pobeda, and Rossiya.
Routes: Mainly connect to Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo) and St. Petersburg. Limited international. Skyscanner and Dollar Flight Club assist with finding airfares.
Direct Flights: Generally not available from major global hubs; connections usually occur via Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Strigino Airport provides essential services for travelers and various transport options to the city.

Services & Transport

Facilities: Cafes, shops, ATMs, free Wi-Fi. Car rental desks are available (see 5.3). DiscoverCars.com can help with rentals.
Bus: Public route #20 links the airport to the city center (40-60 min).
Minibus (Marshrutka): T-113 has direct routes, often faster.
Taxi/Ride-sharing: Yandex.Taxi is reliable (800-1200 RUB to city center).

Seasonal Availability

Flight frequency and prices increase during summer (June-August) and public holidays.

Price Fluctuations

Lower prices appear during the low season (winter, late autumn/early spring). Book in advance for summer.

Airport Comforts

Strigino Airport includes cafes, shops, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi for your convenience.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Nizhny Novgorod Moskovsky railway station is the main hub in the lower city.
High-Speed Trains: Sapsan and Lastochka link frequently to Moscow (3.5-4 hours for Sapsan).
Other Routes: Regular services to St. Petersburg (8-12 hours), Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and other significant Russian cities.
Long-Distance Bus: Nizhny Novgorod Central Bus Station provides comprehensive intercity routes to nearby municipalities like Kazan.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements: Valid national driver'a driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed.
Road Conditions: Major highways are generally well-maintained. City roads and smaller regional roads vary in quality.
Driving In winter: Conditions are challenging due to heavy snow and ice. Winter tires are important.
Driving Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits: 000 meters/h (urban), 90 km/h (outside), 110 km/h (highways). Zero-tolerance for alcohol.

Road Quality & Navigation

Inconsistent Quality

Road quality shows inconsistency, notably on side roads and outside main routes.

Driving Culture

Driving culture in Russia may seem aggressive; drivers might not always adhere strictly to traffic laws.

Navigation Tools

Use reliable GPS systems or mobile apps like Yandex.Maps for the best navigation.

Sea/River Arrivals

River Port & Cruises

Nizhny Novgorod's location at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers makes it a significant river port, especially for seasonal cruises.

Cruise Options

River Port: Nizhny Novgorod hosts a major river port.
River Cruises: Popular seasonal river cruises (May-September) operate along the Volga River.
Routes: Connects to Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg (via waterways).

Immigration & Connections

Port Logistics

Immigration: For international river cruise passengers, procedures occur onboard or at designated ports per visa regulations.
Location: The River Port's location close to the city center allows easy access.
Land Connections: Public transport (buses, trams) and taxis are easily accessible from the port area.

Departure Information

Be mindful of timing and procedures.

Exit Fees & Timing

Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for travelers leaving from Russia via air or land.
Air Travel: Arrive at Strigino Airport 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic.
Train Travel: Arrive at Moskovsky railway station 30-45 minutes before departure.

Departure Procedures & Facilities

Smooth Exit

Bus Travel: Arrive at Avtovokzal 30 minutes before departure.
Security: Be prepared for standard airport and station security checks.
Facilities: Airport and railway station offer waiting areas, cafes, and shops for departing travelers.

Border Crossing Information

Internal City

What you need to know to cross the border applies not directly to Nizhny Novgorod as it is an internal city within Russia.

International Land Crossings

International land border crossings into Russia are subject to specific visa and entry regulations.

Prior Research

If you plan to enter Russia by land from a neighboring country, research the specific requirements for that border crossing carefully.

How to Get to Nizhniy Novgorod